Newsletter: February Newsletter

Statement

Last week, the Senate had its state work period and I was delighted to be home in Nebraska. As I travelled the state, I had the opportunity to visit with many Nebraskans and hear your thoughts on a variety of different issues.

Nebraskans are engaged in many of the serious issues facing our nation. From ensuring quality health care for our veterans to improving transportation, our citizens want to see meaningful change in a number of areas.

I'm looking forward to sharing the feedback I received from you with my colleagues -- whether it's in committee hearings, on the Senate floor, or at the leadership table. By working together, we can unite to advance common-sense solutions that will have a positive impact across Nebraska and our country. Each and every day I am honored to represent Nebraska in the U.S. Senate, and I hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.

KETV INTERVIEW

I sat down with KETV anchor Rob McCartney this month for a one-on-one interview that aired on the February 22 edition of The Chronicle. I discussed a wide variety of topics, including the threat of ISIL, harmful EPA regulations, and my new subcommittee chairmanships in the 114th Congress.

FIGHTING FOR YOU ON THE ISSUES THAT MATTER

Balancing the Budget

Our national debt has been out of control for years and now stands at over $18 trillion. But as millions of families are sacrificing to make ends meet, our government has had little incentive to do the same. That's why I am proud to once again support a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution. This common-sense amendment will help future generations enjoy the blessings of prosperity rather than suffocate under the wasteful plundering of our resources.

CoOportunity Health Collapse

Due to the failure of CoOportunity Health, thousands of Nebraskans are now forced to decide whether to give up the health care that they chose or lose the subsidies they were promised. This month, I joined Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to send a letter pressing CMS, the federal agency in charge of health care co-ops, for answers on helping those affected by CoOportunity's collapse.

Keep Goods Moving

Our nation's ports play a vital role in the growth of Nebraska's economy. As Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, I held a hearing this month examining the role of ports in our nation's transportation network, particularly as it relates to port infrastructure and efficiency. The hearing also highlighted the effect of service disruptions happening at West Coast ports. These delays have already affected imports and exports to and from Nebraska.

Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act

Hunting and fishing are a way of life in Nebraska and part of our rich heritage. This month, I was proud to help introduce The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act -- a bill that would enhance recreational opportunities in Nebraska and across the country. The legislation would prevent anti-hunting groups from restricting sportsmen's ammunition choices. Such unnecessary constraints are driving up hunting costs, impeding participation in shooting sports, and decreasing conservation funding.

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